Rouyn-Noranda Huskies
The Rouyn-Noranda Huskies are the descendants of the famed Montreal Jr. Canadiens. The powerhouse team started out in the 1930’s but struggled to find local competition. As a result, they spent time in Ottawa, Brockville and Hull and played in the OHA from 1961-72 against the top teams in Ontario. When they were finally forced to join the QMJHL, it was under the Bleu Blanc Rouge name to avoid litigation from the OHA who still had the team officially part of their stable. The OHA would technically resurrect the franchise as the Kingston Canadians in 1973 but it really had nothing to do with the original Montreal team. They’d rename the club the Montreal Juniors in 1975 and would relocate to Verdun in 1982. In 1984, they’d reclaim the Canadiens name and operate as the Verdun Jr. Canadiens. In 1989, the club would relocate to become the St. Hyacinthe Laser before finally moving to become the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies in 1996. Pictured is a Montreal Bleu Blanc Rouge puck along with a current Huskies puck.